A Harmonious Journey of Healing

Although Elian has only been playing guitar for a mere six months, he has impressed everyone with his obvious musical ability.

Elian, a 19-year-old boy from Panama City, Panama, is sharing his talent and positive attitude at Shriners Children’s Texas. Born with knock knees (genu valgum) and a leg length discrepancy (LLD) in his right leg, Elian doesn’t let his condition slow him down or keep him from doing the things he loves.

The knock knees condition involves his right knee being turned inward, in conjunction with the LLD, in which his right leg is too short. Cody Sanderson, M.D., an orthopedic surgeon at Shriners Children’s Texas, provided life-changing care for Elian, correcting his knock knees condition through surgery and addressing the LLD with an advanced Precice nail procedure. This innovative technique involves inserting a telescoping metal rod into the femur, allowing gradual, controlled lengthening of the leg. Over two months of adjustments, Elian’s leg was lengthened by 3 centimeters. Full recovery will take about a year, and he will work his way into fully walking on his right leg again through exercise and therapy.

During his recovery, his passion for music has served as a source of emotional healing and inspiration. A guitarist for just six months, Elian’s natural-born talent shines through. He originally picked up the guitar to learn how to play his favorite songs, and he has trained himself completely by ear.

He spends a lot of time in the hospital’s music therapy studio, guided by Angie, the music therapist, who admires his ability to play by ear. Together, they’ve worked on recording songs, capturing his love for bachata music and his desire to perform his favorite tunes. During his stay in Galveston, he has also performed mini-concerts at the hospital and at the Ronald McDonald House.

Elian’s experience is a testament to the comprehensive care at Shriners Children’s Texas, where physical healing is combined with wrap-around support. “I have deep gratitude from the bottom of my heart to everyone in Shriners Children’s – from the cafeteria servers, doctors, nurses and to reception,” Elian said. “Everyone has just been wonderful during my stay.”

As for the future, Elian is currently going to school to study computer science. In the meantime, he will continue to play his music and entertain others, taking each day of his recovery one step and one strum at a time.